SonaCare Medical

Less than two weeks ago, I witnessed my first HIFU prostate ablation case. Having only learned about this technology for nearly a month leading up to the event, I had few assumptions of what the procedure would consist of. I understood that the focused ultrasound device would “ablate” or destroy targeted tissue within the prostate gland. I could also quote that “the procedure was considered minimally-invasive and only required an incision if a catheter were to be placed within the patient.” What I did not know, however, was the effect HIFU can have on a patient’s life, and my own.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) or “C-codes” are unique temporary pricing codes established for the Prospective Payment System and are only valid for Medicare on claims for hospital outpatient department services and procedures.